Ok, So I took the 88 audi 90 on a 1000 mile road trip, didnt burn oil, nice ride, but a few problems surfaced. 1) the gas gauge does not work, it never really goes down much past 1/2 (so it stays between 1/2 and full) 2) The tempurature gauge seems to work only when it feels like it, sometimes it works other times it does not. 3) On the second day of the trip when I went over some small bumps in the road at about 85 mph the antilock brakes would shut themselves off, they would turn back on if I pressed the button on the dash, happened about 5 times. (Car is not a quattro) <p>One thing with the engine is one loud valve, and also you can feel a slight surge (very slight) when accelerating. The transmission when you shift the stick kind of jumps a bit, though no grinding of gears or any problems.<p>So if anyone has had any experience with these things and possible fixes, I would appreciate the help. Thank you in advance.<p>-Cory<br>

 

I unsubscribed to them when I got the A4, since little was of relevance. However, for the older 80/90/Coupe Quattro models, I think it is a big help - a lot more folks on there who are familair with these models.<p>Can't remember the Web site, but can try serarching under "Quattro".

 

Cory,<p>What kind of gas are you using? The power surging is normal (within reason), due to the anti knock sensor retarding the timing. Using high octane gas will reduce this to almost nonexistant, and a little 104+ Octane Bosster(I use 1/3 bottle per tankful)added to 92 octane gas, will likely eliminate it.<p>Temp guage problem can be diagnosed inexpensively by a dealership. I had the same problem, and it turned out to be the thermostat. It was stuck partially open, so the car wouldn't warm up at all (little or no movement of needle), until I was stuck in traffic. Then, the thermo wouldn't open up enough, and the temp would go way up. Then when moving, it would go all the way down to nothing again. If your guage itself is bad, I have an extra one that I got from another 90 owner. With his permission, I may be able to send it to you. I highly recommend getting a diagnosis first though, because the replacement procedure isn't exactly fun.<p>Don't know about the fuel guage, sorry!<p>You may have a bad or misaligned ABS sensor at the wheel, that is causing trouble, unless the dash switch is bad. Switch is probably between $20-$30, and would be an inexpensive place to start, but again, diagnosis is probably inexpensive. BTW, the dash switches are known to go flakey. I've replaced three of mine.<p>Are you sure it's a valve that is loud? There is a brake booster vaccuum pump that links into the camshaft. When it goes bad, it sounds like a hammer banging inside the engine. Worst of all, the sound doesn't even seem to be coming from that area. If the diaphram in this pump goes, you'll use tons of oil. Again, a good Audi mechanic can diagnose this for little or no $$$. Unfortunately, a lifter job or the pump will cost about $500-$600, either way. If you really think it's a lifter, you may be able to try an oil additive, but consult a dealer or Audi mechanic to see which one they may recommend.<p>Not sure what you mean by jump regarding the transmission. These trannies don't care much for cold weather, and are very stiff until warmed up. You have to shift them slowly for about 10 minutes.<p>If you want, feel free to E-Mail me directly at quattroman@w-link.net :-) I have some pictures, and can describe how to replace the temp guage, if it turns out you need to do that. Do check the thermostat though first. I can send pics and instructions for that too, if you need them. I'll also include a link to my mechanic's web site. I have not visited it yet, so I'm not sure what he has on the web, but I'm sure you could atleast E-Mail with questions. hope this helps!<p>Charles<p><ul><li><a href="http://www.EuropeanCarAuthority.com">European Car Authority</a></li></ul>

 

On my Coupe Quattro, the temp gauge became intermittent. I would work, then go to cold, the come back on again. You engine has the same setup, so that is most likely the problem. The problem is the multifunction sensor. That sends the signal to the gauge, goes out after 80K miles on that engine. The sensor is just below where the coolant line enters the engine near the front right side (as you look at it from the front of the car. It just screws into the block with a 17mm socket (i think), and then you just plug the wires back in, real easy. I got the part from The Parts Connection. You can get their number from the QUattro List vendor listing. Ask for Rod, he knows these cars real well, and has become a good friend over the years with all the parts I have bought from him at his great prices.<p>Christian J. Long

 

Don't you have an S4 yet Chuck? :-Þ

 

Christian,<p>I replaced my sensor, thinking that was my problem, before finding that the problem was really the thermostat. Doesn't matter though, because the sensor was lo0oking close to death anyway. Probably the easiest place to start for Cory.<p>Charles<br>

 

Just kidding! I think I'm going to put some money into the 90Q and drive it a little longer. I want to be able to keep the 90Q when I buy my S4 or S6. At this time, this would be a stretch. I could probably do it, but I'd be stressed out! :-( There are three '93 S4's for sale in the Seattle paper though, and it's torture not being able to buy one!<p>Charles<p>PS: The WA State Lottery is at $20M. :-)

 

Can't afford an old S4, much less a new one. If I have to replace my 5KTQ before 250K, I'd be lucky to get a 200Q-20VT. I want a 93 S4, but the prices will have to drop a little more. If everything goes as I expect, summer 2000 I'll be looking at an S4, or even a 95 S6 :-)<p>Meanwhile I'm going to try to limit the mods to the 5KTQ, and try to get some control over the negative cash flow that is my UrQ.<p>I think the only S4 I've ever seen on the road was near Seattle. Pearl white, Mmm mmm mmm.<p>Todd W

 

Todd,<p>There are several S4's just in the Issaquah area. I think there are two pearl ones, and two black ones. One of the black ones, and one of the pearl ones are modified. All are beautiful! :-) I was surprised when I saw three for sale in the Seattle Times. Two were $25K, and one was $28K. Don't know mileage or anything on them. I don't dare call, or I'm afraid I'll end up with one in the driveway, or is that the parking lot I'll be turning into my home? I'm hoping for summer of '99, myself, but that would probably only happen if I sell the 90Q. Depends a lot on my girlfriend situation. We'll see. I actually prefer the larger car, so I'm not sure I would want a new S4 anyway. A new S6 would be nice though! :-) The 200TQ 20V is a sweet alternative, and one I've thought about too. But, I'd like to buy as new a car as I can afford next time, but I won't likely be shopping any other make. I'd rather have a used Audi than a new Honda, and it just so happens that there is nothing I love more than the S series Audis. Anyway, hopefully we will both get the cash flow thing under control and have those S4's or S6's soon! :-)<p>Charles<br>

 

I had a flaky ABS switch on the dash, acted the same as yours. You can tap on the switch and make the ABS shut off. The switch is just snapped together, they are easy to take apart and clean, otherwise just get a new one. I've had surging problems, they were almost always a leaky hose, look close at the crankcase vent hoses, they dry out and crack..